DERBY County head coach Steve McClaren said the trip to Wigan Athletic was a good test for his Rams side.
The Rams won 3-1 at the DW Stadium to climb up to fifth in the Championship.
Craig Bryson, Simon Dawkins and Chris Martin (penalty) scored to give the Rams a 3-0 half-time lead.
Nick Powell pulled a goal back for the Latics after the break but the visitors took the spoils to move into the play-off places.
"It was a funny kind of 90-minute display and we did not have enough control in the second half," said McClaren.
"But this was a test coming here, against a very good team and the players have taken advantage."
